Peach County Group Applies for Charter School

A charter high school may soon come to Peach County as soon as next year.

The Byron Peach Charter High School Association submitted a letter of intent to both the local school board and the Georgia Department of Education outlining plans to establish Byron Peach Charter High School.

A charter school is a public school that operates under a contract or charter with the local and state school boards.

A news release from the group says they've scheduled two public meetings to determine if there is enough public support to move forward with the plan.

The first meeting is Feb. 21, 2013 at 6:45p.m. at the Byron Municipal Complex at 401 Main Street in Byron.

The second meeting is March 5, 2013 at 6:30p.m. at the Peach County Court House, at 205 West Church Street in Fort Valley.

Buford Walker with the Byron Peach Charter High School Association, says the curriculum of the school is still in development, but one of their main goals is to push for more advanced placement courses and dual enrollment.

He says the school would open in 2014 to 9th and 10th graders, then add a grade level each year until 2016.

One of the biggest differences, according to Walker, will be the calendar.

"We do feel like, in order to get an advantage, and for these kids that need the extra time, we will go full year-round and probably have a longer day. We've discussed possibly having a mandatory study hall, so kids can actually get the help they need for homework in a controlled environment."

Walker says he hopes to submit a full proposal to the Peach County Board of Education by May.

He also says financial support is needed due to the tremendous startup cost to develop the charter and secure the facilities.